Old Testament
Exodus 2:14
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The man replied, "Who made you a prince and judge over us? Are you planning to kill me like you killed the Egyptian?" Moses was afraid and said, "Surely this thing is known."
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And he said, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said, Surely this thing is known.
What Exodus 2:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, Moses faces a harsh reality. After killing an Egyptian to protect a Hebrew, he is confronted by one of his own people. The man questions Moses' authority, asking who gave him the right to lead and judge. This accusation reveals the tension and fear among the Hebrews, who are wary of Moses' intentions. Moses realizes that his actions are not hidden; they are known to others. His fear indicates the weight of his choices and the consequences they may bring. This encounter highlights the struggle between personal responsibility and the expectations of leadership. Moses is caught between his desire to help and the fear of being rejected or exposed. This moment marks a turning point in his journey, as he grapples with his identity and purpose in a world filled with conflict and uncertainty. It serves as a reminder that our actions can have far-reaching effects, and we must be mindful of how we navigate our roles in the lives of others. Understanding our impact is crucial as we seek to lead and support those around us.
How to apply Exodus 2:14 to your life
When faced with difficult choices, consider the potential consequences of your actions. Reflect on how your decisions affect others and your role in their lives. Embrace the responsibility that comes with leadership, and strive to act with integrity and compassion in all situations. Your choices matter more than you might think, so choose wisely and thoughtfully.
Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Moses Kills an Egyptian (Exodus 2:11–15)
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Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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Keep studying Exodus 2:14
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At a Glance — the Book of Exodus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Exodus 2:14 mean?
Exodus 2:14 describes a pivotal moment for Moses when he is confronted by a Hebrew who questions his authority after Moses killed an Egyptian. This interaction reveals the fear and tension among the Hebrews regarding Moses' intentions and highlights the challenges of leadership.
What is the significance of Moses' fear in Exodus 2:14?
Moses' fear in Exodus 2:14 signifies his awareness of the consequences of his actions and the potential rejection he faces from his own people. It marks a critical point in his journey as he grapples with his identity and the responsibilities that come with leadership.
What does the phrase 'Who made you a prince and judge over us?' mean in Exodus 2:14?
The phrase 'Who made you a prince and judge over us?' reflects the skepticism and challenge to Moses' authority from the Hebrew man. It underscores the conflict between Moses' desire to lead and the doubts of those he aims to help.
How does Exodus 2:14 relate to themes of leadership and responsibility?
Exodus 2:14 highlights the burdens of leadership as Moses faces scrutiny from his own people. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the impact of one's actions and the responsibility that comes with taking on a leadership role.
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